The Techniques and Tools of Professional Chefs: Adapting for Home Use
Cooking with professional chef’s tools and techniques might not be feasible for some home cooks, but with a little bit of creativity, dedication, and investment you can recreate the culinary creations of master chefs in your own kitchen. Time to put your lucky winnings from the bonus casino to a great cause. From high-end cutlery to powerful food processors, here are some of the essential techniques and tools used by professional chefs that you can use to recreate restaurant-quality meals in your own home.
Cutlery
One of the cornerstones of professional cooking is high-quality cutlery. While most home cooks get by with standard kitchen knives, professional chefs use more specialized tools to create their dishes. A chef’s knife is typically the go-to tool for a chef, but they also use boning knives, paring knives, and serrated knives for different tasks. Some chefs will even invest in a set of Japanese knives which are typically made with a harder steel that holds an edge much better than a traditional steel knife. For the best results, always look for a knife with a comfortable handle, a full tang in the handle to ensure balance, and a sharp edge.
Food Prep Equipment
Food processors, mixers, and blenders are essential pieces of equipment for professional chefs. With all the chopping, blending, and mixing that goes into preparing a restaurant-quality dish, these tools are invaluable. Food processors are great for making pesto, hummus, and other sauces in larger quantities, while blenders are essential for soups and smoothies. Stand mixers are great for making the dough for baked goods or for whipping up an aerated meringue. All of these pieces of equipment are available to the home cooks, allowing you to quickly and efficiently prepare a variety of dishes.
Cooking Utensils
Every professional kitchen is stocked with all of the basic cooking tools such as cutting boards, wooden spoons, skillets, and sauté pans – all of which are essential for creating gourmet-style meals. Aside from these basics, chefs will also have several specialty utensils such as a cheesecloth for straining, herb scissors for mincing herbs, and a thermometer for gauging the temperature of foods. Investing in quality tools is a must for any aspiring professional chef, but if you’re just looking to recreate restaurant-level cooking in your home, look for reliable, multipurpose pieces.
Storage
In professional kitchens, organization is key. Commercial kitchen operators use specialized shelving and cooling systems to store food items properly to ensure safety and freshness. In the home kitchen, most of the same principles apply. Invest in quality canisters for storing grains, spices, and baking mixes, and use proper food preservation methods such as airtight packaging and freezing to maintain the longevity of food items.
Seasoning
Succulent, flavorful foods come down to the ability to properly season and balance flavors. Professional chefs will use a variety of spices and herbs to bring out the flavors of a dish, and experimenting with them is key. However, it’s important to note that different herbs and spices pair differently together. For instance, sage is typically best when paired with poultry, while cumin pairs well with chili dishes. For best results, keep a variety of seasonings on hand and experiment to find the best combinations.
Temperature Control
High heat is a crucial element of restaurant-style cooking and achieving optimal flavor results. Most chefs will use a high-temperature range to quickly sear proteins and vegetables and lock in moisture. Investing in a reliable thermometer is key for controlling the temperature and achieving the desired results.
These techniques and tools are just the beginning for home chefs looking to recreate restaurant-level cooking. With the right kitchen gear and a little bit of practice, anyone can learn how to create amazing dishes in the comfort of their own homes.
